Field trips are one of the most important activities of the Society and participation is the best way to increase one’s knowledge of local plants. Most of the trips are for general study and monitoring of the flora and ecology of an area. Other trips are led by individuals who specialize in certain groups of plants and their trips are planned accordingly. While most trips emphasize plant study, other aspects of natural history and cultural heritage are not neglected. Trip participants are always free to ask questions about anything of interest they see. The leader or other members of the group can often supply an answer.
The location may be any place of botanic interest which is usually within 50 miles of New York City. We are not a hiking club and walking distances are usually not great. Those who come on the field trips are urged to participate in the Society’s other activities as well. Trips generally go rain or shine; if in doubt, check the website or contact the leader. Some trips are reachable only by automobile. Those in need of rides and those who are offering rides should post and check for messages on Torrey Botanical Society’s Facebook and Twitter sites or contact the trip leader. Those who use public transportation are advised to check updated schedules in advance. Interested guests and non-members are always welcome on field trips.
Upcoming Field Trips
Kayak Tour of the Flora of the Batsto River (Burlington Co., NJ)
Saturday, July 25 @ 9:45AM
Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/kayak-tour-of-the-flora-of-batsto-river-tickets-1992087053001
This is a rare opportunity for a guided tour of the vegetation along the scenic Batsto River. We will likely encounter many of Pine Barrens’ iconic species: Drosera spp., Sarracenia purpurea, Sclerolepis uniflora, Lobelia canbyi, Platanthera clavellata, Smilax pseudochina, Dichanthelium lucidum, Lophiola aurea, Hypericum denticulatum, Greeneochloa coarctata, Utricularia purpurea, Eleocharis tuberculosa, Senega cruciata, and so many more. There will also be sandy beaches where we can take breaks and/or explore the upland areas.
ATTENTION: THE COST OF KAYAK RESERVATION IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE FREE TICKET FOR THIS EVENT. PLEASE MAKE SURE TO RESERVE A KAYAK BEFORE SIGNING UP! KAYAKING IS REQUIRED FOR THIS FIELD TRIP. Reserve a kayak/canoe (kayak recommended) for the Batsto River Quaker Bridge to Batsto Lake trip for 10am on Saturday, July 25th, 2026.
Trip Leader: Zihao Wang
Meeting Location: Pinelands Adventures, 1005 Atsion Rd., Shamong, NJ., about a 2-hour drive from New York City.
Seaweed Wrack Walk at Plumb Beach (Brooklyn, NYC)
Saturday, August 15 @ 4:00PM
Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/seaweed-wrack-walk-at-plumb-beach-tickets-1994249081687
Did you know that New York City has seaweed biodiversity on its shores? Join the Torrey Botanical Society with guest educator, Dr. Lowell Andrew Iporac, as they walk through the Plumb beach coastal area and explore some of the seaweed diversity that would was up ashore and also be on the rocky intertidal zones of NYC. Participants will expect a 1-2 hour walk along Plumb Beach and learn about the local coastal biodiversity, ranging from seaweeds to small invertebrate animals that can be associated with the seaweed wrack. Wear comfortable walking shoes that you don’t mind getting wet or dirty, sunscreen, and any other gear you need to have a pleasant time along the coast.
Trip Leader: Dr. Lowell Iporac
Meeting Location: We will meet in front of Lew Fidler Park at the southeast corner of the intersection of Emmons Ave and Brigham St (Google Maps Location: here)
Check back soon for more details on upcoming field trips, or become a member to receive updates via email!
Field trip leaders are asked to complete and submit a field trip reporting form which includes vegetation lists and notes on any new or unusual plants or vegetation types to the Field Chair, Zihao Wang (zihaowa@outlook.com). These trip reports, when submitted, will be made available as a year end field trip summary publication.
Please click on the link to access the field trip reporting form:
TBS Field Trip Instructions
Past Field Season Reviews: TBS 2016 Field Review & TBS 2017 Field Review